I.  And also such arbitrary jurisdiction was exploded in putting down the Star-Chamber Court; and the excessive fines imposed upon all such actings.  See ‘English Liberties,’ as also the fourth and sixth articles against the Earl of Strafford in Baker’s ‘Chronicle,’ folio 518.”

He closes one of his remonstrances thus:—­

“The humble request of your petitioner to the Hon. Gen. Court, that, as an Englishman,—­as a freeman of this jurisdiction; as descended from him who, in his time, sought the welfare of this commonwealth,—­I may have the benefit and protection of the wholesome laws established in this jurisdiction:  that, in my extreme wrong, I may have liberty to seek relief in a way of law, and may not, contrary to Magna Charta, be disseized of my freehold by the arbitrary act of two or three committee-men; the fundamental law of England knowing no such constitution, abhorring such administrations:  and that the Hon. Court would release your petitioner from the injurious effects of the said committee’s act, and explode so pernicious a precedent.”

Zerubabel Endicott was an imprudent and obstinate man, but had the traits of a generous, ardent, and noble character.  He was a physician by profession.  His second wife—­the widow, as has been stated, of Rev. Antipas Newman, of Wenham, and daughter of John Winthrop, Jr., governor of Connecticut—­survived him.  Although he left five sons, the name, at one time, was borne by a single descendant only, a lad of seven years of age,—­Samuel, a grandson of Zerubabel.  On him it hung suspended, but he saved it.  From that boy, those who bear the name in New England have been derived.  We rejoice to believe that they will preserve it, and keep its honor bright.

Winthrop was recognized as the great leader in the early history of the Colony.  He had a combination of qualities that marked him as a wise and good man, and gave him precedence.  The eminent dignity of his character was admired and revered by all.  No one was more ready to admit this than Endicott.  Never were men placed towards each other in relations more severely testing their magnanimity, and none ever bore the test more perfectly.  But Endicott was, after all, the most complete representative man of that generation.  He was thoroughly identified with the people, participating in their virtues and in their defects.  He was a strict religionist, a sturdy Puritan, a firm administrator of the law; at the same time, there are indications that he was of a genial spirit.  He was personally brave, and officially intrepid.  His administration of the government required nerve, and he had it.  Sometimes the ardor of his temperament put him for a moment off his guard; but he was quick to acknowledge his error.  He was true to the people, who never faltered in their fidelity to him.  The author of “Wonder-working Providence” described him as “a fit instrument to begin the wilderness worke, of courage bold undaunted, yet sociable and of a cheerful spirit.”  I have presented some instances of his kind and pleasant relations with his workmen and neighbors.  His name will ever be held in honored remembrance in this vicinity, where his useful enterprise was appreciated; and his descendants in our day, and to the present time, have contributed to the prosperity and the adornment of the community.